Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region IX, Zamboanga Peninsula
Division of Zamboanga Sibugay
Kabasalan National High School
F.L. Peña Sr., Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay

PARTS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE IGNITION SYSTEM

1. Battery supplies current to starter in order to crank the engine for operation. It also supplies
the required electric current to the ignition system.

2. Ignition Switch the key-operated main power switch that opens and closes the circuit that
supplies current to the ignition and other electrical system.

3. Ignition Resistor a resistor connected into the ignition primary circuit to reduce battery voltage
to the coil during engine operation.

4. Ignition Coil the ignition system component that set as a transformer to step up (increase) the
battery voltage into many thousands of volts.

5. Distributor any device that distribute. In the ignition system, the rotary switch that direct high
voltage surges to engine cylinders in the proper sequence.

6. Rotor the rotating parts of the distributor assembly that distributes high voltage from coil center
cable to different spark plug.

7. Contact Point the point in the distributor that opens & closes the primary circuit to build-up &
collapse the magnet line of force.

8. Condenser connected across the contact point to prevent arcing and burning. It also provides
the storage of electricity when breaker point is open.

9. Distributor Cap top cover of distributor assembly that prevents dirt or any particles from
entering the delicate parts.

10. High Tension Wires bridges of high voltage to the spark plugs.

11. Spark Plugs a device in the system that serves as lighter to produce spark on the gap.

12. Vacuum Advancer provide advancing and retarding the ignition timing by means of intake
manifold vacuum. It advances the timing just to maintain the spark at top dead center.

THE IGNITION SYSTEM ARE OF TWO INTERCONNECTED ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS.

Primary (low voltage)
1. Battery
2. Ignition Switch
3. Ballast Resistor or resistance wire
4. Ignition coil primary winding
5. Condenser
6. Contact Point
7. Ground

Secondary (high voltage circuits)

1. Ignition coil
2. Secondary winding
3. Distributor cap
4. Rotor
5. Ignition cable or high tension wire
6. Spark plug
 PROCEDURE IN ADJUSTING CONTACT POINT WHEN DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY REMOVE
FROM ENGINE

1. Prepare the supplies, materials, tools and equipment needed.

2. Position correctly and firmly the distributor assembly in the Bench vise.

3. Position the contact point to be set on the highest part camlobe in distributor shaft.

4. Used proper type, and size of screw driver prior to the screw head kind.

5. Loosen slightly lock and adjusting screw then, insert the feller gauge with correct size of clearance,
follow what state in the manual.

6. Tighten first the adjusting screw with two working screw drivers for it, to locks then, lastly tighten
the lock screw. If possible check it thoroughly again by retightening the adjuster and locker screws.

7. Set engine correctly then install the distributor assembly, time it properly, see the steps of initial
ignition timing.

8. Test run, then check if dwell angles is within the specified value, by the used of the dwell meter,
follow the dwell of 4 cylinders is 51⁰ (50⁰ - 52⁰)

POINT GAP ADJUSTMENT (W/O IGNITER)

1. If the points are excessively burnt or fitted, replace the breaker points.
2. Adjust point gap. Point gap 0.45 mm (0.18 in)
 GASOLINE ENGINE IGNITION TIMING

First turn the crankshaft in order to bring the piston to TOP DEAD center compression stroke both
valves are close see to it that the cam lobe or nose of the camshaft is in horizontal position and
observed the timing mark of the crankshaft and camshaft. For ignition timing insert the distributor
assembly and observed the contact point is beginning to open and close.

FOUR STROKE CYCLE OPERATING PRINCIPLES OF ENGINE OPERATION

FOUR STROKE CYCLE – is a series of event following the chronological order of the engine.

1. Intake Stroke- piston going down-ward intake valve is open exhaust valve is close to allow or
enter the air and fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber.
2. Compression Stroke- piston going up-ward both valves are close to compress the air and fuel
mixture inside the combustion chamber.
3. Power Stroke- Piston going down-ward both valves are close to ignite or burned the compress
air and fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber.
4. Exhaust Stroke- Piston going up-ward intake valve close exhaust valve open to throw the
burning gasses passes the exhaust manifold.

GAP ADJUSTMENT
Check the plug gap with plug gap gauge. If not
to specified value, adjust by bending
the ground (outer) electrode.
Plug gap 0.8 mm (0.031 in)
1.0 mm (0.039 in for USA